Review of: Sonics 109, Minnesota 90 — Injury updates

The Sonics played one of their better games of the season after falling behind by nine points in the first quarter. Without Kevin Durant for the final three periods, they played with poise, increased their defensive intensity and made big shots.

Now for the injuries: Kevin Durant sprained his left index finger, an injury he said has been lingering for about six weeks. He said he banged it on the hipbone of an opposing player and it began throbbing. He is considered questionable for Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers and likely won’t practice Sunday.

“It was hurting more than it usually does,” he said. “I kind of hit it every game and it’s a one- or two-minute thing and it stops but this was throbbing and started swelling up a little bit. I wanted to play. But our trainer (Mike Shimensky) told me to sit out the rest of the game and go from there.

“It’s feeling pretty good. There’s still a little bit of pain but it’s feeling better. When we played Atlanta (Nov. 16), I sprained it back then but it gradually as time wears on, (the pain) starts building. It got a little bit swollen on me, but I will be all right.”

Durant said he wants to practice but will follow Shimensky’s orders. If you are looking for a reference — and this one is not good — LeBron James missed five games with a sprained left index finger sustained when someone tried to rake the ball away on a drive to the basket. It’s uncertain whether James’ injury was more severe than Durant’s but Durant is proving to be a quick healer. He missed two preseason games with a sprained ankle but returned healthy for the season opener against Denver.

The news may not be so good for Chris Wilcox, who sprained his left knee when Nick Collison fell back into his leg after trying to take a charge against Marko Jaric. Wilcox will have an MRI on Sunday and even if it turns out to be negative, he could miss a few games. Obviously, knees are very delicate and many NBA players will take the precautionary side when they injure them.

The worst-case scenario is ligament damage and Wilcox is concerned.

“It’s just a little sore but I will be all right,” he said. “I am going to say no (it’s not serious) because I don’t want it to be, you feel me? But I don’t know what it is. I got an MRI tomorrow, so I will know. I’m definitely concerned. At the same time, I hope it’s nothing serious.”

SONICS REPORT CARD

Jeff Green — A solid night in his second start as a pro (18 points, 5 rebounds) and played under control and was filthy around the basket — B+

Chris Wilcox — A double-double in just 29 minutes before spraining his knee. He was productive despite not having his best night, that’s what the Sonics need — B

Kurt Thomas — His jumper was off, but he grabbed 15 rebounds in 23 minutes, another stellar night under the boards — B

Earl Watson — Dished out six assists with no turnovers in 21 minutes, did what he was supposed to do against a bad team — B

Kevin Durant — Six points in 12 minutes before spraining his index finger. It will be fun to see him matchup with Minnesota’s Corey Brewer over the coming years — B

Nick Collison — Eight points, four rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes. Didn’t allow the Minnesota big men to take over — B-

Wally Szczerbiak — Came through with big points to compensate for Durant, and he also chased down four rebounds and gave a good effort on defense — B+

Delonte — Had a vicious dunk and also canned a big 3-pointer during the Sonics’ second-quarter barrage and dished out seven assists — B

Damien Wilkins — Looked much more relaxed coming of the bench and played like it, scoring 12 points with three rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes — B-

Johan Petro — Fared nicely in seven-plus minutes with two points and three rebounds — B-